5 Best Cheap Vacuum Cleaners for Carpets – Reviews and Buying Guide

When it comes to finding the best cheap vacuum cleaners for your carpets, you won't want to settle for anything less than exceptional performance and value. From the powerful suction of the BISSELL CleanView Compact to the versatile Vacmaster, this guide covers a range of options tailored to meet your unique cleaning needs. While budget-friendly, these vacuums don't compromise on quality – in fact, they might just surprise you with their impressive capabilities. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover which model will seamlessly integrate into your home and elevate your carpet cleaning routine.

BISSELL CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Red/Black

For budget-conscious consumers seeking a lightweight yet powerful vacuum for small spaces, the BISSELL CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Red/Black, delivers impressive suction and versatile cleaning capabilities at an affordable price point.

Weighing less than 8 pounds, this maneuverable vacuum boasts a compact 11 x 10 x 25-inch profile, making it an ideal choice for dorm rooms, apartments, and other cramped areas.

Its rotating brush and scatter-free technology effectively clean both carpets and hard floors, while the removable extension wand allows you to tackle above-floor surfaces with ease.

The 23-foot power cord provides ample reach, and the easy-empty dirt container simplifies debris disposal.

Though some users note the need for gentle handling, the BISSELL's strong suction and user-friendly design make it a budget-friendly option that delivers impressive performance.

Best For: Budget-conscious consumers seeking a lightweight yet powerful vacuum for small spaces like dorm rooms, apartments, and other cramped areas.

Pros:

  • Impressive suction power for effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors
  • Lightweight and maneuverable design for easy navigation

Cons:

  • Perceived fragility, requiring gentle handling
  • Compact design may necessitate frequent emptying of the dirt container

Intercleaner Corded Vacuum Cleaner

With its lightweight 3-lb design, the Intercleaner Corded Vacuum Cleaner is ideal for women, the elderly, and children who need an easy-to-maneuver vacuum for cleaning carpets and hard floors.

Packing a powerful 400W motor, this vacuum delivers 15KPa of suction power, making it effective at cleaning both hardwood and short-haired carpets. The large 0.8L dust cup means fewer interruptions for emptying, while the washable HEPA filters ensure consistent air filtration.

While it may struggle with thick carpets, the Intercleaner's versatile 12-in-1 design with 11 accessories makes it a great choice for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks, from furniture to car interiors.

Just be mindful of the plastic construction and avoid prolonged use to prevent overheating issues.

Best For: Lightweight and easy-to-use vacuum cleaning suitable for women, the elderly, and children.

Pros:

  • Powerful 400W motor and 15KPa suction for effective cleaning on hard floors and short-haired carpets
  • Large 0.8L dust cup capacity reduces emptying frequency

Cons:

  • May struggle with thick carpets
  • Lightweight plastic construction raises concerns about durability

Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Boasting a lightweight yet powerful design, the Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner stands out as an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking an efficient carpet cleaning solution.

This vacuum cleaner packs a punch with its 960-watt motor and 5-height adjustment settings, allowing you to tackle a variety of flooring, from carpets to shag rugs to hard floors.

The upgraded cyclone system effectively traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, making it a great option for pet owners.

You'll also appreciate the large dust bin, which reduces the frequency of emptying, and the washable filter for easy maintenance.

While the shorter cord length may pose some challenges on tile floors, the versatile attachments and lightweight construction make this vacuum a versatile and affordable cleaning companion.

Best For: Budget-conscious consumers seeking a powerful, lightweight, and versatile upright vacuum for cleaning carpets, rugs, and hard floors, especially those with pets.

Pros:

  • Powerful suction and 5-height adjustment for effective cleaning on various floor types
  • Traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, making it ideal for pet owners

Cons:

  • Shorter cord length may pose challenges when cleaning on tile floors
  • Some difficulty maneuvering on tile floors

Eureka Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

The Eureka Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner's lightweight design and effective suction make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable carpet cleaning solution.

Weighing only 7.7 pounds, this upright vacuum is easy to maneuver and store, perfect for small spaces and apartments. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path ensures efficient coverage, while the powerful 720W motor delivers impressive performance on both hard floors and carpets.

With a 1.7-liter capacity, you won't have to empty the dustbin as often, and the washable filter reduces maintenance costs. While the short cord may limit your reach, the quick-release handle and included attachments, like the crevice tool and dusting brush, provide versatile above-floor cleaning.

With a 4.3-star rating from over 29,000 customers, this Eureka vacuum offers excellent value for the price.

Best For: The Eureka Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is best for budget-conscious consumers seeking an effective, lightweight vacuum for their small spaces and apartments.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design at only 7.7 pounds
  • Powerful 720W motor with effective suction on carpets and hard floors

Cons:

  • Short cord may limit reach
  • Basic attachments compared to more premium models

Vacmaster Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner

If you're seeking a lightweight and versatile vacuum cleaner for your carpets, the Vacmaster Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner may be an ideal choice.

Weighing just 3.7 lbs, this 2-in-1 vacuum offers both stick and handheld modes, making it easy to maneuver and clean even hard-to-reach areas.

With a powerful 14Kpa suction motor, it efficiently removes dirt, debris, and pet hair from your carpets.

The washable HEPA filter captures 85% of particles, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Users praise its lighted head for improved visibility and the long battery life, which allows you to clean an entire home of up to 1400 sq ft.

While the small dust cup may require more frequent emptying, the Vacmaster's reasonable price, versatile attachments, and solid performance make it a top contender for budget-conscious carpet cleaning.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a lightweight and versatile vacuum cleaner for their carpets and hard floors.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design (3.7 lbs) for easy maneuvering
  • Powerful 14Kpa suction for effective dirt and debris removal

Cons:

  • Small dust cup requires more frequent emptying
  • Flimsy plastic part for spin brush locking

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cheap Vacuum Carpet

When shopping for a cheap vacuum cleaner for your carpets, there are several factors to consider.

You'll want to think about the weight and maneuverability of the vacuum, its suction power and versatility, the filtration system and maintenance requirements, the cord length and reach, and the overall design and aesthetics.

Carefully evaluating these elements will help you find the best affordable vacuum that meets your specific cleaning needs.

Weight and Maneuverability

Choosing a lightweight vacuum cleaner can significantly ease the burden of maneuvering it around your home, particularly in tight spaces and for prolonged cleaning sessions. Models weighing less than 8 pounds, like certain compact designs, are far easier to handle compared to heavier vacuums.

A lightweight vacuum, such as one weighing around 3 to 4 pounds, can reduce fatigue during extended cleaning, making it ideal for users, including the elderly or those with limited strength.

The dimensions and design of a vacuum also impact its maneuverability. Compact models with a slim profile can navigate tight corners and under furniture more effectively.

Additionally, a vacuum's cord length contributes to its usability; longer cords provide greater reach without needing to change outlets frequently, which can be particularly beneficial in larger rooms or homes.

Ultimately, a well-balanced vacuum design can make it easier to push or pull while cleaning various floor types, enhancing the overall user experience.

Suction Power and Versatility

Suction power is a paramount consideration when choosing a cheap vacuum for carpets, as it determines the appliance's ability to effectively remove dirt, debris, and pet hair from your floors. Most budget-friendly models typically range from 15KPa to over 20KPa, so you'll want to ensure the vacuum you select packs enough suction power to handle your specific cleaning needs.

Additionally, versatility is key when it comes to getting the most value from your investment. Look for vacuums that come equipped with a variety of attachments and cleaning modes, allowing you to tackle hard floors, carpets, and even above-floor surfaces with ease. This added versatility will make your cleaning tasks more efficient and thorough, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between suction power and versatility within your budget is crucial for selecting the best cheap vacuum cleaner to keep your carpets looking their best. With the right combination of these essential features, you can enjoy a deep, effective clean without breaking the bank.

Filtration and Maintenance

Beyond suction power, the filtration and maintenance capabilities of a cheap vacuum cleaner are crucial factors when it comes to keeping your carpets spotless. Investing in a model equipped with HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of microscopic allergens, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.

Regular maintenance of your vacuum's filters is also essential. Washing or replacing them every few months will help maintain optimal suction power and efficiency in removing dirt and allergens from your carpets. Look for vacuums with multi-layer filtration systems, as they can provide enhanced dirt-trapping capabilities and reduce the frequency of filter replacements.

For added convenience, consider a model with an easy-empty dust cup or bag. This feature makes the maintenance process quicker and less messy, as you won't have to deal with the hassle of disposing of collected debris.

Additionally, opt for a vacuum with a noise level around 70 dB, ensuring a quieter operation that won't disturb your family or pets.

Cord Length and Reach

When shopping for a cheap vacuum cleaner for carpets, the cord length is a crucial factor to consider, as it determines the cleaning reach and accessibility in your home. Typical cord lengths range from 16 to 23 feet, allowing you to clean larger areas without frequently switching outlets. A longer cord can enhance your cleaning efficiency in spacious environments, reducing the time spent unplugging and replugging the vacuum.

Corded vacuums generally provide consistent power, unlike cordless models that may have limited runtime depending on battery capacity. However, consider the overall weight and maneuverability of the vacuum in relation to the cord length, as a longer cord can sometimes impede ease of use if not managed properly.

The ideal cord length ultimately depends on the layout of your cleaning space, with longer cords being advantageous for open areas and shorter cords being sufficient for smaller, confined spaces. By carefully evaluating the cord length, you can ensure that your cheap vacuum cleaner for carpets meets your cleaning needs with maximum efficiency.

Design and Aesthetics

Alongside the essential cleaning performance, the design and aesthetics of a cheap vacuum cleaner for carpets shouldn't be overlooked, as they can significantly impact your overall user experience.

Look for a lightweight construction that makes the vacuum easy to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or if you have limited strength. A compact form factor can be a game-changer, allowing you to store the vacuum conveniently in small apartments or dorm rooms where space is limited.

Don't underestimate the power of aesthetics either. With a variety of color and style options available, you can find a vacuum that complements your home decor.

Ergonomically designed handles will also ensure your comfort during extended cleaning sessions, reducing strain on your hands and arms.

Value and Cost-Effectiveness

Why not consider the value-to-cost ratio when choosing a cheap vacuum for your carpets? After all, finding the right balance between affordability and effective cleaning performance is key to getting the most bang for your buck.

When it comes to suction power, models with higher wattage, like 960 watts or 720 watts, typically offer better dirt and hair extraction from your carpets. Plus, vacuums with larger dust cup capacities, such as 1.9 liters, can reduce the frequency of emptying, making your cleaning sessions more convenient.

Look for a lightweight design, ideally under 8 pounds, which will make maneuvering and handling the vacuum a breeze, especially for users who may struggle with heavier models.

And don't forget to consider the noise level – vacuums operating at 70 dB or lower tend to provide a quieter, more pleasant cleaning experience.

Surface Compatibility

Choosing a cheap vacuum for carpets requires careful consideration of the surface compatibility to ensure optimal cleaning performance.

Specifically, you'll want to prioritize models with adjustable height settings that can effectively handle a variety of carpet types, from shag to low-pile. This feature allows you to customize the cleaning head's position, ensuring the suction power is properly directed at the carpet fibers, whether you're tackling a plush shag or a thin, low-pile surface.

Additionally, look for vacuums with powerful suction, ideally above 15KPa, to efficiently remove embedded dirt and pet hair from your carpets. This high-performance suction is particularly important for deeper-pile carpets where debris can become trapped.

Finally, consider the vacuum's weight, as lighter models (under 10 pounds) will be easier to maneuver, especially during extended cleaning sessions across your carpeted areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Replace the Vacuum Filter?

You should replace your vacuum filter every 3-6 months, or as needed when it becomes clogged or dirty. Replacing the filter regularly helps maintain your vacuum's suction power and air flow for optimal cleaning performance.

Can I Use a Cheap Vacuum on Hardwood Floors?

You can use a cheap vacuum on hardwood floors, but it may not provide the deep cleaning and protection your floors need. Look for a vacuum specifically designed for hardwood to ensure the right suction power and brush settings.

How Do I Maintain the Vacuum's Suction Power?

To maintain your vacuum's suction power, regularly clean the filters, empty the dustbin, and remove any obstructions in the hose or brush. This will ensure your vacuum continues to effectively pick up dirt and debris on your hardwood floors.

What Is the Warranty Coverage for Cheap Vacuums?

The warranty coverage for cheap vacuums typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, covering manufacturer defects. However, be sure to review the specific details, as the length and inclusions can vary by model and brand.

Can I Use a Cheap Vacuum for Pet Hair?

You can use a cheap vacuum for pet hair, but it may not be as effective as a higher-quality model. Look for one with strong suction and specialized pet hair attachments to ensure it can handle the task effectively.

Conclusion

When looking for an affordable vacuum for your carpets, consider the suction power, weight, and filtration.

The BISSELL CleanView Compact, Intercleaner, Eureka Lightweight, Eureka Powerful Bagless, and Vacmaster are great options that offer effective cleaning and user-friendly designs.

Prioritize the features that best suit your specific needs to ensure you get the most value for your money.